Gif drove at a steady pace. It was early Saturday morning and the roads were empty. He kept checking the rear view mirror. Oya wrapped the Amulet in a piece of cloth and gave it to Michelae. “You’ll need this later.” As they turned onto the highway, a black bird flew in through the passenger window. It landed on Oya’s arm and cawed once. Oya nodded several times. The bird flew off.

Michelae didn’t comment, and nor did Gif. They were growing used to Oya and her ways.

“It looks like we’re early. There’s no-one there yet.”

“Mambo is usually quiet on a Saturday morning,” Gif said.

“The Congregation never sleeps.”

“Maybe it got hungry again?”

“Maybe it feels us approaching.”

“Is that why we’re driving here?” Michelae asked. “No teleporting?”

“Yes. Any magic would warn it. The less time it has to prepare, the better.”

They passed Cafe Mambo and stopped on a gravel road. It was the entrance to a farm and a few people were working. Oya waved at them. They did not return the gesture. The bird returned and cawed twice.

“My birds told me a young girl will be here later,” said Oya. “Let’s wait.”

Oya sat cross-legged. Michelae and Gif stared at her nervously. Gif started to speak, but Oya raised her hand to silence him. “The young girl’s name is Tiffany. My birds have been watching her for the past week. Her aura reminds me of someone. I have a feeling that she’s crucial to our success. Any questions?”

“What do we do with the Amulet?” Michelae asked.

“The Amulet needs to be in the presence of The Congregation. Seeing the artefact will catch it off guard.”

“Giving you enough time to destroy the alien?” Gif said.

“Correct, Gif. That is the general plan.”

“So, why do you need us?” Michelae said.

“I need you to wear the Amulet. It will draw The Congregation’s attention,” Oya smiled.

“I’m ready. Let’s fight evil!” Gif exclaimed. Michelae nodded.

“There she is!” Oya announced. “She’s heading for the back window.”

Tiffany and a young male companion were breaking into the club. Oya smiled at their courage.

“Let’s go!” Gif was pumped.

“Not yet. The moment has not arrived.”

“What if they get hurt?” Michelae pleaded.

“They won’t,” Oya stated.

A loud scream came from the club and a bright spark lit up the windows for a few seconds. Oya shot up and ran towards the front door. Gif and Michelae were close behind. The front door opened with a wave of Oya’s hand. It was time to kill The Congregation.

***

Tell us: We’ve jumped a short way back in time in this chapter. Can you remember what Tiffany and Kyle discovered when they broke into Mambos?